TY - JOUR AU - Mathews, Maria AU - Bourgeault, Ivy AU - Ryan, Dana PY - 2022/09/20 Y2 - 2024/03/28 TI - Perceptions of bias in the selection of international medical graduate residency applicants in Canada JF - Canadian Medical Education Journal JA - Can. Med. Ed. J VL - 14 IS - 2 SE - Original Research DO - 10.36834/cmej.73320 UR - https://journalhosting.ucalgary.ca/index.php/cmej/article/view/73320 SP - 16-22 AB - <p><strong>Background: </strong>In Canada, international medical graduates (IMG) consist of immigrant-IMG and previous Canadian citizens/permanent residents who attended medical school abroad (CSA). CSA are more likely to obtain a post-graduate residency position than immigrant-IMG and previous studies have suggested that the residency selection process favours CSA over immigrant-IMG. This study explored potential sources of bias in the residency program selection process.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted semi-structured interviews with senior administrators of clinical assessment and post-graduate programs across Canada. We asked about perceptions of the background and preparation of CSA and immigrant-IMG, methods applicants use to improve likelihood of obtaining residency positions, and practices that may favour/discourage applicants. Interviews were transcribed and a constant comparative method was employed to identify recurring themes. </p><p><strong>Results:</strong> Of a potential 22 administrators, 12 (54.5%) completed interviews. Five key factors that may provide CSA with an advantage were: reputation of the applicant’s medical school, recency of graduation, ability to complete undergraduate clinical placement in Canada, familiarity with Canadian culture, and interview performance. </p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Although residency programs prioritize equitable selection, they may be constrained by policies designed to promote efficiencies and mitigate medico-legal risks that inadvertently advantage CSA. Identifying the factors behind these potential biases is needed to promote an equitable selection process.</p> ER -